Yes, this known and documented by many handlers of mini horses used as a certified service animal. They are remarkably well trained and very calm. A good example of what you are describing is how calm police horses can be in traffic (I am in NYC!!) and riot situations. if that does not induce flight, nothing will!
Horses live on average 25 to 30 years. Ponies and miniature horses tend to live to at least 30 years. Horses are amazingly smart animals. I did potty train a miniature horse named Mojo and he lived to be a whopping 38 years old.
The other problem with monkeys is they are a wild animal, there is no domestic type of monkey, horses are domesticated completely. In my opinion for a guide animal horses are better, they out live dogs by so much. For a mobility or brace service I believe horses (Great Danes and large dogs are okay but meh) are better they are beasts of burden to begin with and can take the weight that a dog is physically not built to do. Also at the end when she says,"watch this." I'm just like well there is a blind lady next to you...
Aleida Ackerman great points! the weight bearing ability and stability is a tremendous advantage. also, if you’ve ever seen a dressage horse perform a routine of complex and precise movements by responding to the most subtle and varied touch/pressure/weight shift commands by the rider...or, conversely, ever had a horse sense a novice or aggressive rider, recognize when they’re not properly balanced or in control, and take the opportunity to throw them off or rub them along a fence and right out of the saddle...or even fake an injury to get out of a riding session...you can quickly see how amazingly smart and intuitive horses are! they’re extremely perceptive; sensitive to moods, energy, and even smells; and highly responsive to the most subtle of commands to perform extremely precise and delicate movements. perfect qualities for a service animal!
There is a VERY important distinction to be made here!!! There is a world of difference between a certified SERVICE ANIMAL and an emotional support animal or companion!!! The Rachael Ray program in not making that distinction. The certification permits the animal to go anywhere with its handler, without discriminations . People try to claim their "support animals" can go anywhere, and they cannot.
This program is in the US. There is NO certification for Service Animals in the US. If they meet the ADA requirements, they are a Service Animal no matter what name the handler calls them.
Not if they are trained. My horse is an ex racehorse and is not flighty or spooky at all. Miniatures are usually less spooky anyway plus i have seen alot of flighty dogs, my cousin has a border collie that runs away at any loud noise whereas my thoroughbred which is a breed renowned for flightiness is totally unphased by the most loud fireworks.
Dogs have the ability to bite, just as horses have the ability to run... and Monkeys have rabies. These animals are absolutely necessary for individuals who cannot get around on their own, and these animals give them a new lease on life, and don't need to be locked away, relying on carers 24/7 to be there. There's risks in everything. You just need to way up what's best for yourself. No government can tell you what is best for an individual.
Gee. Blind daughter needs guide dog. Stuck in belief that dogs are "dirty" so no guide animal for years (On RU-vid documentary) until mini horse guide comes along. Gee, I do have a problem w/ rigid impractical thinking like that!
Impressive how you managed to take the topic of guide horses, and turned it into a ignorant rant about a religion that makes you uncomfortable. Well done. Prat.
